The Detroit Pistons went 44-38 last season. That's hardly anything to get excited about - just three wins better than .500. Unless, of course, you consider
that it was the first time the team had managed a winning record since 2008. This team, which was once so dominant and relevant, has contributed nothing to
the fabric of basketball for most of a decade. Finally, though, they are showing signs of real life. They got themselves a coach with a vision and some
talent, and they are finally building something positive. Or, at least, they are in position to build something positive. Can they actually do it? Can they
take another step forward this season?

Reggie Jackson complained his way out of Oklahoma City. He wasn't content being a backup, and he wasn't going to start with Russell Westbrook in town. The
show of bravado was risky - if he didn't deliver then his reputation would have been shot. He has been very good in Detroit, though. He has carried the
offensive load here and has given every indication that he could take a big step forward this year. Teams need to have a strong core to compete right now,
and in Jackson and Andre Drummond the Pistons have the making of a force that could contend. Drummond is already an all-star, and Jackson has every
opportunity to become one as well.

Added to the duo of Drummond and Jackson is Tobias Harris. Harris was acquired in a very good midseason deal last year, and he played just 27 games with
the Pistons. He fit in well, was obviously comfortable, and produced at a high level. Now he has the benefit of a whole offseason and training camp to
further merge into the Pistons culture and carve out his role. This is his sixth year in the league, and there is good reason to believe that it could
statistically be his best. He is a guy who can rebound off the wing, and this team, which was second in rebounds last year, will give him every chance to
shine on that front. If Harris was a stock I'd buy it.

2016 Detroit Pistons Additions and Departures

The Pistons didn't have the flashiest offseason in the NBA, but not a lot of teams had a better one when it came to improving themselves and addressing
their needs. They made three key acquisitions in free agency, and all were strong. Ish Smith played his best ball of his career last year after returning
to Philadelphia midseason. He's a dangerous playmaker with real creativity. He'll primarily be the second point guard when Jackson needs a break, but I
also expect him to be used alongside Jackson at times when the team wants to make things happen. Nice player at a great price. The Pistons offered what
felt like a reasonable deal to 7-foot-3 center Boban Marjanovic, but the Spurs chose not to match the offer. Last year was his first in the NBA after
playing in Europe, and he showed a lot to like despite playing limited minutes. With a few more minutes available in Detroit the upside is high. The
Pistons prioritized backing up their two best players - a sign of how well-run the team finally is. Finally, they added power forward Jon Leuer, who was
most recently with Phoenix. He provides bench depth, can rebound effectively enough to fit in with the team, and brings some shooting chops which the team
could use. He moves the needle the least of the three free agents but is still a positive.

In the draft they got excellent value when they picked power forward Henry Ellenson of Marquette 18th overall. He should find a role in the rotation this
year. They also grabbed senior guard Michael Gbinije from Syracuse in the second round, but it seems hard to imagine him having a large role.

2016 Detroit Pistons Futures Odds and Trends

The Pistons were essentially a break-even team against the spread last year - they were 42-8-2 ATS. The same went for the total, where they were 42-40 on
the "over". The betting mediocrity extended to their brief playoff appearance - they were 2-2 ATS, and the over was 2-2.

Detroit Pistons Futures Odds (from Bovada)

NBA title odds
: +10000

Eastern Conference title odds
: +4000

Andre Drummond MVP Odds
: +12500

Season win total (from Westgate):
45.5

2016 Detroit Pistons Predictions and Futures Odds Picks

Last year the team made the playoffs but was swept by the Cavs in the first round. I expect to see them back in the playoffs this year, but they will
likely only last a game or two longer. I like how the team is being built, and they are no worse than the third-best team in their division -- behind
Cleveland, obviously, and in a dogfight with the Pacers. I expect improvement this year, and I expect them to be a consistent playoff team going forward -
though not a top contender unless something changes.

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Sunday December 17th 2017- Take
#320 Washington -4.5 over Arizona
(1:00pm est): The Washington
Redskins had a tough defeat a few
weeks back at Dallas and that loss
more or less ended their playoff hopes
for this season. The Skins had a no-
show effort last week as they traveled
out to LA to play a red hot Chargers
team and they were crushed in that
game. The good news from that is it
sets up some nice line value here at
home for Washington. This is still a
very talented team that's played the
toughest schedule in the league this
year. In fact this is only their 3rd
opponent all year with a losing record
and the Skins have went 3-0 in those
three games. Arizona is also out of the
playoff race and also using their 3rd
string quarterback. Making things even
more tough for the Cardinals in this
one is that this is equal to a 10:00am
PST start time for Arizona. Coming off
an upset win last week you have to
wonder how much they have left in the
tank for what amounts to a
meaningless game for them. Take
Washington minus the points. Read MoreRead Less

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